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Burn
2019 89 min United States of America R 18+
★5.6
Thriller, Crime, Action
Director: Mike Gan
Trailers
Description
Lonely, unstable gas station attendant Melinda is tired of being overshadowed by her more confident, outgoing co-worker Sheila. When the gas station is held up at gunpoint by Billy, a desperate man in need of quick cash, Melinda finds an opportunity to make a connection with the robber, regardless of who gets hurt.
Worldwide:
$25,373
Starring
Tilda Cobham-Hervey
Actor
Josh Hutcherson
Actor
Suki Waterhouse
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
Burn is a polarizing chamber thriller that relies heavily on its unique character dynamics rather than traditional plot momentum. While some viewers appreciate its quirky, butterfly-effect narrative and psychological unpredictability, others find the screenplay underdeveloped and the casting choices questionable.
| Screenplay | The narrative structure functions as a successful butterfly effect, where minor initial details create a satisfying and logical causal chain. | |
| Theme | The film effectively blurs the lines between victim and villain, keeping the audience off-balance regarding the characters' moral standing. | |
| Acting | Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of the antagonist feels miscast, with critics arguing he lacks the necessary presence for a 'brutish bad boy' role. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are divided; some find the tension-filled chamber setting engaging, while others argue the film feels overlong or lacks narrative confidence. | |
| Screenplay | Critics disagree on the quality of the screenplay, with some praising the logical execution of events and others dismissing it as underdeveloped and basic. |